JOB

The following comments are from Navigator's and Quiet Time Diary journals. One verse will be entered, then the comment, then the date.

1:8    And the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, fearing God and turning away from evil."

    Whose idea was it to test Job? From this verse, it seems that God brought up the name first. God allowed Satan to test Job. Only God knows why - probably He knew Job would still trust in Him no matter what. How would I do? (DRM 6/4/06)

1:12    Then the Lord said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your power, only do not put forth your hand on him." So Satan departed from the presence of the LORD.

    Why would God allow bad things to happen to good people? As I re-read this chapter I felt that God loved Job and didn't want to hurt him, but wanted to show Satan that any trials that Job endured would not change his love for God. I will have trials also. (DRM 5/20/01)

1:16    While he was still speaking, another [messenger] also came and said, "The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants and consumed them, and I alone have escaped to tell you."

    Things aren't always what they appear to be. While I don't know if this disaster was lightning or something else - it wasn't directly from God (v. 12) - but looked like it. I have the same problem today when I wonder why things don't work out like I expected. Sometimes we can't tell who is "directing" our events. God is in control, though. (DRM 6/5/06)

1:20    Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head, and he fell to the ground and worshipped.

    Disaster after disaster had just befallen Job's family and possessions. Job was able to hear all of the events without cursing God, rather worshipping Him.
    When things go wrong for me I usually question God=Jesus and want to know what I did, but don't blame Him - as He knows best.
    I pray that we (you and me) don't have to have a situation like Job went through. (DRM 9/13/11)

1:22    In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.

    God had just let Satan curse everything Job owned and even then Job was able to praise the Lord. 
    We must remember Job's example when things go wrong and thank God for all our trials, as the Lord knows our souls and will provide for everything in the end. (DRM 8/2/87)   

2:3    And the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? For there is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man fearing God and turning away from evil. And he still holds fast his integrity, although you incited Me against him, to ruin him without cause."

    Apparently my writing was wrong yesterday. Here God admits that He did these things to Job. Still, Job's faith stood, when others would have fallen. God still loved Job - even through the trials. It could be considered a test of Job's faith. (DRM 6/6/06) This is similar to 6/4/06.

2:9    (Job's) His wife said to him, "Are you still holding on to your integrity? Curse God and die!"

    Job was just beginning his trials and his wife had already given up! God gave us a good example in Job! No matter how depressing the situation is - God will pull us through!
    Today was a depressing day for me also, but with God's help, I know that better days will come again. (DRM 10/19/87)

2:9, 10    Then his wife said to him, "Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die!" ¹⁰Then he said to her, "You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?" In all this Job did not sin with his lips.

    Job's wife did not know of Satan. She was aware of God and did not like what had happened recently. If cursing God brought back her good fortune, she would have been happy. Job was right in knowing that God sends trials and adversity to make us grow. That's important! (DRM 5/21/01) 

3:25,26    What I feared has come upon me; what I dreaded has happened to me. ²⁶I have no peace, no quietness; I have no rest, but only turmoil. 

    Job was rightfully upset in what had happened to him, but he would not curse God (2:10). When I have troubles, let me never curse God, but try to understand why. (DRM 11/17/88)

4:3,4    Think how you have instructed many, how you have strengthened feeble hands. ⁴Your words have supported those who stumbled; you have strengthened faltering knees. 

    When things go wrong and I feel that God has forgotten that I exist, I must remember how God has used me in the past and be thankful for what I have done to serve Him. (DRM 11/18/88)

5:17    Blessed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.

    Most every night, I ask God to convict me of my sins as I do them. Thank God that He does tell me when I have sinned, so that I may make corrections! (DRM 11/4/88)

6:13    Do I have power to help myself, now that success has been driven from me?

    Obviously the answer to this question posed by Job is NO, only God can help us in our trials. Friends may comfort us, but God is the answer. (DRM 11/19/88)

7:5    "My flesh is clothed with worms and a crust of dirt; My skin hardens and runs."

    Job was graphic in this verse to illustrate the aging process. My worm-wrinkles are also coming. Job is really reflecting on the brevity of life - and leads me to think how I shouldn't be wasting any of the days I have left. (DRM 6/7/06) The worms he is talking about are maggots. He was putting maggots on his sores so that they would eat the infection out. (per WOL diary)

7:7    Remember, O God, that my life is but a breath; my eyes will never see happiness again. 

    Job was still depressed in his situation, but he had a thought here that usually God has to remind us of: "my life is but a breath." We should make every possible use of our short life - to serve Him. (DRM 11/20/88)

8:12,13    While still growing and uncut, they (papyrus) wither more quickly than grass. ¹³Such is the destiny of all who forget God; so perishes the hope of the godless. 

    Without God what can people do? Perhaps the papyrus would die uncut without the sun. Likewise we are totally incomplete without the Son. (DRM 11/21/88)

9:11    "Were He to pass by me, I would not see Him; Were He to move past me, I would not perceive Him."

    No one has seen God - except maybe Moses. Jesus said that if you saw Him (Jesus) you would have seen the Father. He is everywhere and I can't hide anything from Him. He knows what I'm doing every moment - and still He loves me and wants me to confess my sins before Him; and to tell others of His love for them. (DRM 6/8/06)

9:33    (Job said) If only there were someone to arbitrate between us, to lay his hand upon us both [Job + God].

    What a great verse! The person Job was looking for came later as Jesus Christ who IS our arbitrator with God. Job knew how necessary Jesus was to be. (DRM 11/22/88)

    Job wanted an umpire or mediator between himself and God. Jesus wasn't known at the time, even though we know He was with God even then. Thankfully we have Jesus as our mediator with God - and the Holy Spirit lives within us, so I know when I have done wrong and need to ask for forgiveness. (DRM 6/9/06)

10:14    If I sinned, you would be watching me and would not let my offense go unpunished. 

    In this verse Job explains the conviction of the Holy Spirit. If and when we do wrong, God convicts us in our heart to confess our sin to Him. Job didn't know what his sin was. (DRM 11/23/88)

    From this verse, Job apparently knew of confession and forgiveness of sin. Since he had done both, he was rightfully confused. He knew that God was Lord of all and still needed an explanation of why the things happened to him. I also want explanations now, but usually find out in time. (DRM 6/10/06)

11:6    (I wish God would) disclose to you the secrets of wisdom, for true wisdom has two sides. Know this: God has even forgotten some of your sin. 

    God has forgotten ALL of my sin, but there is one condition. I must ask His Son, Jesus Christ to forgive me of my sins. Be specific! (DRM 11/24/88)

12:23    He makes nations great, and destroys them; he enlarges nations, and disperses them.

    This sounded like the United States to me. God founded this country as he seemed to want us to prosper, however we are now in the destruction phase. (DRM 11/25/88)

    Over thousands of years, God has allowed various nations to become great empires. Quite often they started on their dependence on Him, then decided to go their own way, then faded into history. Job understood this, but it seems that some in the USA don't today. We need a revival to bring us back to our original spiritual condition. (DRM 6/11/06)

13:6    "Please hear my argument, And listen to the contentions of my lips."

    Job was speaking to his friends. It seems that his friend was complaining that he had secret, unconfessed sins and gave Job little time to defend himself.
    Sometimes I feel the same way - especially in larger groups where I don't agree with a presentation, but won't give my personal opinion. God knows the heart. (DRM 6/12/06)

13:15    Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face. 

    No matter what God does, I must continue to have all my hope in Him. Never let my trust diminish! (DRM 11/26/88)

14:4    "Who can make the clean out of the unclean? No one!"

    I think Job has an interesting question here, but the wrong answer. As sinners, we are spiritually unclean when we come to Jesus, then He cleans us from our sins when we are born-again. I'm thankful to have been "cleaned" and want to stay that way! (DRM 6/13/06)

14:14    If a man dies, will he live again? All the days of my hard service I will wait for my renewal to come. 

    3,500 years ago, when this book was probably written, Jesus Christ had not yet "appeared" to save all of mankind from their sins. No wonder Job wanted to know what happens after death. Thanks to Jesus Christ, we know! (DRM 11/27/88)

15:6    Your own mouth condemns you, not mine; your own lips testify against you. 

    Speaking usually causes the most sin. Controlling the tongue also seems to be the hardest thing to do. Only praying and trusting in God will help. (DRM 11/28/88)

16:11    "God hands me over to ruffians, And tosses me into the hands of the wicked."

    Job seems argumentative here. He is upset with God for what has happened, as I would be. I chose this verse today because Job almost got it right here. God gave Job to the wicked devil for this period of time - just as Job guessed here. I pray that this never happens to me - or you. (DRM 6/14/06)

16:16,17    (Job) => My face is red with weeping, deep shadows ring my eyes; ¹⁷yet my hands have been free of violence and my prayer is pure. 

    If I were Job, I would be more than upset in my circumstances. But, Job points out - he still has not done anything violent and continues to pray no matter how depressed. (DRM 11/29/88)

17:7    My eyes have grown dim with grief; my whole frame is but a shadow. 

    Surely the experience that Job was going through was not just spiritual. In this verse he mentions his physical body, but in verse 9 he proclaims: "the righteous will hold to their ways." (DRM 11/30/88)

17:11    "My days are past, my plans are torn apart, Even the wishes of my heart."

    Job was probably over 50 years old - because he had 10 children. After the diseases that Satan inflicted on him, he probably aged even more rapidly. Still, he had hope in the Lord (v. 9) and showed his continued trust in Him. I pray that I'll never lose my hope and trust in the Lord for all my needs. (DRM 6/15/06)

18:18    He is driven from light into darkness and is banished from the world. 

    I think Bildad was speaking of Job in this chapter, but would rather interpret this verse as unbelievers or backsliders. Let me not be driven away from the Light. (DRM 12/1/88)

19:19    All my intimate friends detest me; those I love have turned against me. 

    Job was quite disappointed in God, as everything around him fell apart. 
    We must also be willing to let this happen if it is God's will. Many of my non-Christian friends think I am crazy and wonder why I act the way I do. I must be willing to let go of them as friends and meet new more Godly ones. (DRM 8/5/87) 

19:25, 26    And as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives. And at the last He will take His stand on the earth. 
                    ²⁶"Even after my skin is destroyed, Yet from my flesh I shall see God;

    Job didn't know Jesus, but he knew that he had a redeemer in God Himself. He knew God would come to earth and that he should trust in Him.
    Certainly Job had harder trials that I have, and he trusted in God; why shouldn't I do the same? (DRM 5/22/01)

19:26, 27    "Even after my skin is destroyed, Yet from my flesh I shall see God;
                ²⁷Whom I myself shall behold,
                    And whom my eyes shall see and not another.
                    My heart faints within me. "

    Some of the writing in Job seems very distant to me - either because of the time period, or the different lifestyle that he lived; but this verse is timeless. God is timeless. Eventually Job met God. Someday I'll meet God; and also Job! (DRM 6/16/06)

20:20    Surely he will have no respite from his craving; he cannot save himself by his treasure. 

    This chapter describes wicked people. This verse is meaningful to me as a reminder that the rich always desire more and more, but God wants us, not our money. (DRM 12/2/88)

21:15    Who is the Almighty, that we should serve him? 
            What would we gain by praying to him?

    This verse could be taken out of context easily! Job was asking why the rich don't seem to need God, as they do well by themselves. Thank God, we know He will judge our hearts when it is our turn to meet Him. (DRM 12/3/88)

22:2    Can a man be of benefit to God?
            Can even a wise man benefit him?

    One of Jobs friends (Eliphaz) pondered these questions. In verse 5, he pointed out that our sins are endless and we are not deserving of God. Fortunately Jesus Christ is our mediator! (DRM 12/4/88)

23:3, 10    "Oh that I knew where I might find Him, That I might come to His seat!
                 ¹⁰But He knows the way I take; When He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold. 

    We can't see God, but He can see us. Most people agree with the first half of my statement, but not the second half. When we sin, we (I) forget that He is always with us. He puts us through trials to have us grow closer to Him. The destination is worth the journey. (DRM 5/23/01)

    [re: 23:3]    Job has no doubts about the existence of God or His ability to correct whatever happened in his life. While Job didn't know Jesus, he certainly had faith in God to deliver him.
    Again, I pray that my faith will not waiver as trials come my way. (DRM 6/17/06)

23:16    God has made my heart faint;
            the Almighty has terrified me.

    God is awesome! God is powerful. God is loving. God is almighty. God is strong - and still God loves me. (DRM 12/5/88)

24:16    In the dark, men break into houses, but by day they shut themselves in; they want nothing to do with the light. 

    God and Jesus are the "light" of the world. Those people who follow them are also in the light. Evil people who are not followers are more attracted to the darkness in everything they do. (DRM 12/6/88)

26:2    "What a help you are to the weak! How you have saved the arm without strength!"

    This section (26:1-14) is entitled "Job Rebukes Bildad," but when I read it, I thought of the power of God. He truly can help us who are weak. He can give us the strength to heal our arms. He is the Almighty God - who can do anything - so long as we have a willing heart to do His will. (DRM 6/18/06)

26:4    Who has helped you utter these words? And whose spirit spoke from your mouth?

    When a fellow Christian speaks to me, sometimes a special statement he says means something special to me - as if God was speaking through him - God, let me be more like that. (DRM 12/7/88)

26:7    He spreads out the northern skies over empty space; he suspends the earth over nothing.

    Back to God's incredible power and strength! This verse is similar in thought to Psalm 8:3.
    I am continually awestruck by God's loving kindness and the fact that He created me and that I have a purpose here to serve His kingdom. (DRM 5/20/87)

27:3,4    as long as I have life within me, the breath of God in my nostrils, my lips will not speak wickedness, and my tongue will utter no deceit.

    Obviously Job did not lose his faith in God in this chapter! Lord, give me the faith that Job had for you! I know that God is always with me and I should not forget it! (DRM 12/8/88)

28:23,28    "God understands the way to it (wisdom), and he alone knows where it dwells. ²⁸And he said to man, 'The fear of the Lord - that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.' "

    Job's thoughts have improved over the chapters and now he is on a more positive note about wisdom. Certainly to fear the Lord and honor Him in EVERY way should be the direction in my life. (DRM 12/9/88)

    [re: 28:28]    These verses (28:12-28) make me think of some of the verses in Proverbs. True wisdom comes from the Lord God and listening to His way and reading His Book - not from any institution that man creates. We should also keep from evil as we keep from sin. This is a lifelong process and a submissive heart. (DRM 6/19/06)

29:18    "I thought, 'I will die in my own house, my days as numerous as the grains of sand.'"

    Job was stating what he had done before everything went wrong - in this verse.
    I feel that I still have that feeling of immortality on earth sometimes and don't realize how quickly everything can fall apart.
    I thank God for my immortality, but while it isn't on earth, it will be in Heaven. (DRM 6/4/87)

30:29    I have become a brother of jackals, a companion of owls. 

    "I'm lonely" would be a shorter version of this verse. Job felt that everyone was picking on him, including God. This feeling is something I can really associate with!!! (DRM 12/10/88)

31:4, 5    Does He not see my ways, And number all my steps?
                ⁵If I have walked with falsehood, And my foot has hastened after deceit. . .

    God knows everything and is everywhere we are. I can't hide from God - so why try to keep a secret from Him? If I make wrong choices, I should expect His correction. May I live for You my Lord. (DRM 5/24/01)

31:14b    What will I answer when called to account?

    No one knows when we will meet Jesus Christ, but we do know that we are accountable for everything that we have done while on Earth.
    I should think more of my actions and say to myself: "Is that how Jesus wants me to act?" (DRM 4/30/87)

32:8    But it is the spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding.

    Physical age means nothing in this passage. Our wisdom comes not from age, but rather from God (the Almighty). I should trust only in Him for all my needs. (DRM 12/11/88)

32:15    "They are dismayed, they answer no more; Words have failed them."

    Now Job's friends seem to be in disagreement. The younger of the three is quoted here - apparently the silence after Job's criticism was deafening. It seems that only God knows why He tests mankind (individual people) and we have to give our lives to Him - unconditionally. (DRM 6/20/06)

32:20    "Let me speak that I may get relief; Let me open my lips and answer."

    In some ways I have been like Elihu. God has given me many experiences and insight that I want to share - but it hasn't been vocally yet. . . at least I can write! I still hope that someday the opportunity will come - and I won't be afraid to speak from lack of experience. (DRM 6/21/06)

33:25    . . . then his flesh is renewed like a child's; it is restored as in the days of his youth. 

    The previous verse mentions "finding a ransom for him." Thank you God, for providing Jesus Christ as that ransom that has paid for our sins! Now we are renewed like a child - "born again" in Your love! (DRM 12/12/88)

34:21,22    "His eyes (God's) are on the ways of men; he sees their every step. ²²There is no dark place, no deep shadow, where evildoers can hide. . . 

    I may have tried to avoid or hide from God, but I must realize that everywhere that I am, God is also. The best point about this is not only for the bad things in my life, but also the good things! [because He did them!] (DRM 12/13/88)

35:13    Indeed, God does not listen to their (the unrighteous) plea; the Almighty pays no attention to it. 

    How often I think of my first 35 years of prayers and now I know they went nowhere, because I had not accepted Him as my Savior and Leader. Thank God I know now! (DRM 12/14/88)

36:7    He does not take his eyes off the righteous; he enthrones them with kings and exalts them forever. 

    We ARE being watched. God is watching our every move and every word said. With such a short life, the least I should do is to honor Him in whatever He asks me to do. (DRM 12/15/88)

37:10    The breath of God produces ice, and the broad waters become frozen.

    This chapter of Job had many references to nature and weather terms, that others call "mother nature!"
    This verse helps to make me know just how powerful and awe-inspiring God is. Just the thought of God makes me feel very small, but I have His Son, Jesus Christ and He will listen to my every need! (DRM 6/13/87)

38:12    "Have you ever in your life commanded the morning, And caused the dawn to know its place;"

    God is all powerful. He can cause anything to happen. As He was speaking to Job, He wanted Job to realize this fact. So often I am so involved in myself and the world that I live in that I forget these things. (DRM 5/25/01)

    This is a quote from God (v.1) where He tells of His creation of the earth and how He made the decisions. This verse is an example of how God controls the world - and I can't change what He decides to do. (DRM 6/22/06)   

38:35    Do you send lightning bolts on their way? Do they report to you, "Here we are?"

    God is speaking. This total chapter shows or reminds me just how powerful and all-knowing God is. It's so easy to forget everything that God has done and continues to do. (DRM 5/9/88)

39:9    Will the wild ox consent to serve you?
            Will he stay by your manger at night?

    This could be another prophecy verse to me. As Christmas approaches, the only manger that I can think of was used there. Thank you God for showing again that Jesus IS the Christ. (DRM 12/16/88)

40:8, 9    "Will you really annul My judgment? Will you condemn Me that you may be justified? ⁹Or do you have an arm like God, And can you thunder with a voice like His?"

    My thought continues that no matter what I think, God is in control. He judges all of my moves (which is scary!) and wants our total submission - obedience to Him. Verse 9 reminds me of His absolute power and authority over all of us. (DRM 6/23/06)

40:15,19    Look at the behemoth (elephant?), which I made along with you and which feeds on grass like an ox. ¹⁹He ranks first among the works of God, yet his Maker can approach him with his sword. 

    God created the huge elephant that seems to die only from old age, but then there is man, who has the power to kill any other animal. God gave us the wisdom that he gave no other animals and we should honor Him who gave us the knowledge of Himself. (DRM 12/17/88)

41:8    If you lay a hand on him, you will remember the struggle and never do it again. 

    This whole chapter deals with what we believe to be the crocodile. It is interesting to compare the strengths of the crocodile with the absolute authority of God. (DRM 12/18/88)

42:2    I know that you (Lord) can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted.

    By totally trusting in the Lord in ALL my trials, He will direct my path. I know this and just pray that it really will sink in and that "my" ideas will really be His. (DRM 5/31/88)

42:4    'Hear, now, and I [Job] will speak;
            I will ask Thee, and do Thou instruct me.'

    Job had listened to his three friends and they gave him bad advice. He didn't hear from God until after talking to them. Here, Job repents and admits that God should be his teacher and not other men. I think that I should learn from this and wait and listen for His voice and instruction in my life. (DRM 5/26/01)

42:5, 6    "I have heard of Thee by the hearing of the ear; But now my eye sees Thee; ⁶Therefore I retract, and I repent in dust and ashes."